Hello everyone! Here is the next chapter as promised! :) The next chapter will be up next week. I hope you enjoy it! And review please! They are very encouraging and I would love the input :)
It has been about a month since Kagome started working for the Tashio family. She had obviously not disappointed Sesshomaru, because she knew that she would have lost this job if she had. Her and Rin had grown close to each other. Rin was curious about everything, and could not wait to learn. At some points Rin was not in the mood for learning, and that is when Kagome would take her on a field trip. Right now they were going to see a ballet recital. Kagome figured that if Rin was going to learn about fine arts that she could see some of it in person. Kagome personally loved ballet, but had to give it up. Rin was excited as ever. They finally took their seats and waited for the production to begin. Kagome thought about everything she had done since she got this job. The money was very good and Kagome felt she was getting over paid, but Inuyasha would hear nothing of it. Inuyasha had accompanied them several times on a field trip, but other than a few encounters she had not seen Inuyasha much. Now as for Sesshomaru. She never saw him. The last time she saw him was when he gave her warning.
Kagome sighed which got Rin's attention. Rin looked at her with questioning eyes. Kagome gave the girl a small smile to reassure her that everything was fine. Kagome could just not figure out how a father could be this disconnected with his daughters education, and why was Rin not in a school? Rin definitely does not have social problems. The girl was a chatter box and full of curiosity. Any teacher would love to have her in their class room. Kagome just could not figure Sesshomaru out. Granted she only had that one encounter from him, and that was probably going to be the only one. With that closing thought the ballet recital began, and Kagome found her self in her own world as she watched it.
Rin loved the ballet recital, and was currently already begging Kagome to bring her to another one. Kagome would just smile at the girl and tell her they would try. Kagome opend the door for Rin as she ran into the house. She was still chattering away about the dancers. How they could jump high, how they were graceful, how they were beautiful, and the list just went on and on. Kagome smiled at Rin as she watched her and listened. Rin reminded her so much of herself when she was a child. She remembered the first time Kagome's mother brought her to a ballet recital. Kagome immediately fell in love. She longed to be a dancer, but that dream sooner than later came to crashing end.
"Father!" Rin exclaimed as she started running towards the kitchen in a fast speed.
Kagome was brought back to reality. 'Sesshomaru is here?' she thought. 'How am I suppose to act? What am I suppose to say?' she began to panic inwardly.
Kagome gathered up her strength and made her way to the kitchen. She found Sesshomaru, dressed much like the first night she saw him, with Rin in his arms.
"…and then the guy jumped up in the air! The girl turned and he picked her up so gracefully!" Rin was explained with excitement.
"I see," he replied as he watched Rin explain the recital she just saw. "Rin," he said interrupting her. "Why don't you go to your room, and begin your homework. This Sesshomaru needs to speak with your teacher."
"Aw, but Rin hasn't even told you the best part!" she whined.
"This Sesshomaru promises to come up later and hear all of it," he told her with a kind voice.
"Yes, Father," Rin replied and got down from her father's arms. She ran over to Kagome and gave her hug before she started making her way to her room.
Once Rin left the room, it got quite and stiff. Kagome shifted nervously as Sesshomaru reached into the fridge to get a beer. He turned to her as he opened it.
"Is there something you would like to speak to me about?" she questioned politely.
"Yes, this Sesshomaru does have a few things to ask you about."
"Ok, what is it?"
"How is Rin doing?"
"She is doing great!" Kagome replied with confidence. "She is a wonderful child, and she is extremely curious!'
"Hm…" was all he said in return. "Her studies, how are they?"
"She is very intelligent for a girl her age. Her grades are solid. I have even taken the liberty to advance her on some levels. That is if you do not mind, of course?"
"This Sesshomaru sees no harm in it. But Miss Higurashi, I was quite surprised to hear that she went to a ballet recital," he said rather harshly. "In what ways does that pertain to her studies?"
"The fine arts of course," Kagome replied back.
"I see, but you do understand that her other studies are of more importance than the fine arts," he commented with a tone that left no room for argument.
While Kagome noticed the tone he took with her, she decided to ignore it, "Forgive me, Sir," she replied. "But the fine arts are just as important as anything other subject. It is another way to view history. These arts were made at certain period of great stress, and celebration. How else are you to learn what the people felt, experienced, and honored? History informs, but does allow someone to experience something from the past."
Sesshomaru looked at her with his beer in his hand. He was astonished to say the least that she argued with him. Not only that, but she gave him the answer he was looking for. This woman in front of him was exactly the kind of teacher he wanted for Rin. While he did not know much about her, let alone trust her. He could a least give her some respect. She knew her job well.
"Well, Miss. Higurashi it seems this Sesshomaru has hired the correct woman to teach his Rin," he replied with no expression.
Kagome was taken a back. Was he giving her a compliment? She decided she would take it as such, and leave it be.
"Thank you Mr. Tashio," she replied kindly with a nod.
"Well, that will be all the services we require from you today," he answered as he took another swing at her beer. "We will see you next week."
"Yes, of course. Have a pleasant weekend Mr. Tashio," Kagome answered with a smile as she gathered herself.
"Hn," was all he gave her in return as he placed his empty beer on the counter and made his way to the stairs.
Kagome gave a small smile. 'A man full of words,' she thought to herself as a small laugh escaped her mouth. She then made her leave.
"KAGOME!" Kagome heard on the other of the phone. "Come on we need to have some girl time! Tell me about the new job and everything!" Sango whined on the other end of the phone. "Meet me at the park. We can get some ice-cream and walk around. Come on I need this to! I know you have missed me!"
"Ugh, fine Sango! Meet me there at one o'clock. Right after lunch!" Kagome told her best on the other side of the phone.
"Alright! See you at one by the fountain," Sango said with excitement in her voice. With that Sango hung up the phone.
Kagome allowed a sigh to escape her lips as she looked to check to see what time it was. It was only ten o'clock. So Kagome got herself ready for the day. She took a nice long shower and then got herself dressed. She decided to wear a green maxi skirt with a white tank. She put on her white sandals and some gold earrings. She then applied some light make up and checked her self out in front of the mirror one last time. Once she decided she was satisfied she made her leave. She saw that she had two more hours to kill before she had to meet Sango at the park. So she stopped for some lunch and then made her way to the book store.
Before Kagome knew it, it was time to meet Sango at the park. She made her way to the park, and immediately relaxed to the atmosphere of the place. The trees, flowers, and all the happy people just made it so relaxing. She saw families with there children and couples on dates. She yearned for that. As she walked threw the park she saw all of the different types of people and all the activities they were doing. She then found herself in front of the fountain. She decided to sit on the edge and wait for Sango to show up. She checked her wrist watch, and saw that she got there at exactly one o'clock.
After about thirty minutes Kagome started to become concerned. Sango usually was never late, and if she was she would have at least texted her. Another fifteen minutes passed, and Kagome started to really become worried. Just as she was about to pull out her phone she heard her phone ring. She pulled it out only to see the name of the person she was concerned for.
"Hello?" Kagome answered.
"Kagome I am so sorry! Something came up and I can't make it!" Sango apologized. "I promise to make it up to you! Please don't be mad!"
"It's ok Sango, just next time call me a little earlier. I was starting to become worried," Kagome informed her best friend.
"I will. Again I am so sorry! Have an ice cream for the both of us, ok? You are going to be having more fun than me, I guarantee it."
Kagome let out a small laugh before answering her friend, "Ok, I will. Hope everything works out."
"Thanks Kagome! You are the best! Bye!"
"Bye Sango," and with that she hung up.
Kagome stood up and looked around wondering if she really was going to get some ice-cream or if she was just going to return home. Deciding that she should treat herself after a long month of work, she went for it. She saw the ice-cream cart not far from the fountain, and made her way there. Once she got to the front she ordered a cookies and cream two scoop on a cone. It was only one of her favorite flavors. After buying the ice-cream she realized that she would probably need to work off the ice-cream she was consuming. With that in mind she decided to walk around while eating it, and just enjoy the day.
Kagome was getting down to her second scoop when she heard a squeal, and felt something attach to her leg. Kagome was startled to say the least. She quickly looked down to find a small head full on long black hair clutching on her leg. Before she could ask the small person anything, the little girl looked up to give her an rewarding smile.
"Rin!" Kagome exclaimed. "What are you doing here? Where is Inuyasha?' she questioned concerned.
"Hi Kagome! Rin saw you and ran to give you a hug! Rin was excited to see you!" the little girl explained.
"That's very nice of you Rin, but where is Inuyasha?"
"Uncle Inuyasha is not with Rin today," she informed her teacher who she had grown very found of.
"Then who is with you Rin?"
"I am," a baritoned voice rang out.
Kagome glanced up only to find Sesshomaru not standing far off watching the scene unfold. A small blush crossed her cheeks as she realized that she did not even give a thought that Sesshomaru would be accompanying the small girl.
"Ah, I see," she replied still slightly embarrassed.
"Kagome should accompany Rin and Father on their outing today!" the little girl more of commanded than asked.
'Just like her father,' Kagome thought with a small smile. "I don't know Rin, this seems to be more of a father and daughter bounding time. I would hate to intrude," Kagome explained to the girl that was still hugging her leg.
"Kagome would not be intruding," the girl replied with a disappointed smile. "Right Father?" she questioned Sesshomaru turning her head towards him.
"This Sesshomaru is sure Miss. Higurashi has better things to do Rin," he stated flatly.
Kagome's face began to burn with anger. 'How dare he word it like that! That is down right insulting!' she thought to herself.
"Does Kagome not like Rin and Father?" she questioned with concern and a sad face.
"No!" Kagome exclaimed quickly. "Of course I like you Rin! And I would love to join you for the day," Kagome replied with a smile, but as she turned to Sesshomaru he saw the challenge in her eyes. "As long as that is ok with your Father, Rin."
"Oh, please Father!" Rin begged as she detached herself from Kagome to stand in front of him with pleading eyes.
"Hn," was all he gave in response which made Rin jump for joy.
"Hurray! Kagome gets to spend the day with us!"
They day was going great, in terms of it being this with Sesshomaru around. He did not talk much, and really only talked when needed. He also made no point to hide that he was watching Kagome during their entire outing. They had visited an aquarium that Rin loved. Kagome herself was extremely excited. She had not been to one since she was a child. Her and Rin were having an spectacular time with all the fishes, while Sesshomaru hung not far behind. Rin did not seem to mind though, and was even able to get him to join in a couple of times.
After they went to the aquarium they visited some shops on the street. Rin ran to every single one that had some sort of stuff animals in it. After a while Sesshomaru had to tell that she could not get anymore for the day. Rin was sadden by this, but Kagome quickly came up with an idea.
"Sesshomaru, why don't we take her out to a bakery?"
Sesshomaru glanced at the woman whispering to him, as his daughter put back the stuff animals she had wanted him to purchase.
"Something sweet always brightens someones day when a something doesn't go exactly their way," she explained. "I know Rin loves stuff animals, and she was probably hoping to buy some until the day was over. Am I wrong?"
"No, Miss Higurashi that would not incorrect. I am aware of her love for the material items," he answered her as he looked to keep an eye on his daughter. "I will consider what you have proposed."
Rin returned not long after than ready to move on. As they began walking down the street, Kagome noticed an old book store. She asked if it would be ok to stop in and look around. Sesshomaru gave a nod to tell her it would fine. Kagome and Rin took off into the store full of excitement with Sesshomaru behind them.
Once they entered an old lady greeted them with a smile. Kagome made her way to look around. Rin quickly found children's books thanks to the old lady that greeted them. Kagome found a section that interested her greatly. She saw an old bound book and picked it up. It was a book about dancing, and more specifically ballet. Kagome opened it to find that it was a book that covered many different performances and the choreographer. Kagome was astonished at the book. This was not something easy to write. It even have stage positions. The author put a lot of time into this book.
'Would it?' she wondered to herself as she flipped to the very front of the book to look at the table of context. She began to run her finger down the lists of performances. When she saw it. She quickly turned to the page and smiled. It was here. The entire performance was here in this book.
"La vie est une bataille?" a baritoned voice questioned.
Kagome startled looked over she should to find Sesshomaru standing behind her. "Um…yes. It is my favorite ballet performance.," she replied with a warming smile.
"Oh, my dear," the old lady said as she walked towards the couple. "That book has been in here for years."
"Really?" Kagome said surprised.
"Yes, most teachers now think they know it all or want to put their own style in things," the old lady said with slight disappointment.
"How much would you want for it?" Kagome immediately asked.
"Oh, I don't know," the old lady replied surprised. "It has been here for so long."
"Please, what is it worth?"
"I would say it is worth two hundred dollars Miss."
"Two hundred?!" Kagome exclaimed as she looked back down at the book.
"I'm afraid so. Books like that are hard to come by. Especially ones that are written as well at that. It is probably worth more than two hundred even."
"I see," Kagome answered as she closed it. She put it back on the self and gave the old woman a smile. Before she could register what was happening, an arm appeared before her. The arm grabbed the book she was just holding, and she looked to find the owner of the arm to be Sesshomaru.
"Sesshomaru?" she questioned.
"I will pay for the book," he stated as he began to walk towards the desk to purchase it.
"Wait, Sesshomaru I can not let you do this," Kagome said as she followed him. "You have spent so much money already today."
Sesshomaru simply ignored her as he called for Rin. Rin ran out with a book in her hands. He took the book from her and placed it on the desk as well. The old lady rang up the amount and waited for Sesshomaru to make the purchase.
"Sesshomaru please, it is ok," Kagome pleaded as he was getting his wallet. "I'm ok with not getting the book."
Sesshomaru handed the money to the old lady, and she gave him the books in a bag with a grand smile. Sesshomaru received his change and walked out. Kagome and Rin followed him quickly. He then walked across the street to a downtown bakery and took a seat outside. Kagome stopped at looked at him. He truly confused her. Just when she thinks he will not show her any real emotion he does this. She stood off to the side as Rin ran to him. She ran to him and he picked her up, putting her in his lap. She smiled at him and he returned her smile with a small one. Kagome loved that picture right there. Rin in her little white dress, and Sesshomaru dressed in jeans and a light blue polo shirt. His hair pulled into a low ponytail and him holding Rin in his lap. Each smiling in their own way. How Kagome wished she had a camera. She quickly realized that she did. She pulled out her phone, and with as much discretion she capable of having she took the picture. After she took it she paused to look at. It wasn't professional, but it captured everything she wanted to capture.
"Kagome! Come inside with Rin as she picks out something to eat!" Rin exclaimed excitedly.
Kagome let out a small laugh, "Alright Rin, I am coming!" Kagome followed Rin inside to pick out three tasty treats. Rin got a cake pop, Kagome got a slice of coconut cake, and they got Sesshomaru a slice of coffee cake. They all ate their treats, and then made their way back to the park where Sesshomaru had parked his car.
Sesshomaru had ended up insisting to bring Kaogme home, which was actually truly grateful for. Her feet were killing her from all the walking she had down today. She had already decided that she would be taking a hot bath once she got home. As soon as the car started Rin had fallen to sleep. Kagome and Sesshomaru sat in silence. He could smell her calmness and a hint of nerves. He knew Kagome was one that enjoyed talking.
"Thank you for today Sesshomaru," Kagome whispered, and if he wasn't a demon then he was sure he would have missed it.
"You are welcome," he replied.
"I had a nice time," she told him with a smile.
Sesshomaru remained silent, and the rest of the car ride was the same. But it was a pleasant silence. They pulled up to Kagome's apartment, and she got out. Sesshomaru got out as well and escorted her to her door. Once they arrived there Sesshomaru handed her the book he had purchases for her. She took it and smiled at him, but then a confused look covered her face.
"Is there a problem Miss Higurashi?"
"Sesshomaru, why did you buy this for me?" she questioned as she continued to look at the book.
"You desired it, did you not?"
"Yes, but there was no reason for you to buy it?"
"This Sesshomaru is the judge of what he should and should not buy Miss Higurashi."
"Yes, but…"
"No 'buts' Miss Higurashi," he said cutting her off.
"Very well. Thank you Sesshomaru," she said as she stood on her tip toes and gave him a chase kiss on the cheek.
Seshomaru's eyes widened in shock. No woman has touched his person, let alone kissed him since before that day.
Kagome went back down completely on her feet and gave him a smile. She turned and opened her door and walked into her apartment.
Sesshomaru's face looked the same as ever, but in truth he was utterly confused. He made his way back down to his car and got in. He check on Rin to find her still soundly asleep. He made the engine roar to life and pulled back out onto the road. It was then he allowed her thoughts to come to the front of his mind.
'Why did I buy that book for her," he questioned himself. 'And what was that feeling I felt?'